A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Internet most popular for car research

The internet has become the most popular place for consumers to research information on cars, according to the seventh annual Cars Online survey by Capgemini.

More than 60 per cent of consumer respondents said they use the web to research vehicle information, up from less than 20 per cent three years ago, the study showed. Moreover, two-thirds of those respondents visit between three and six manufacturer websites and independent valuation services prior to going to the dealership.

Almost two-thirds of those questioned said they would switch to a new dealer if their queries were not answered quickly enough.

Xbox content available on web

As of December 2nd, Xbox 360 fans will be able to download Xbox live content from the internet, including free interactive demos for games such as Fifa Football 06, Peter Jackson's King Kong and NBA Live 06.

Microsoft will make more than 400 pieces of downloadable Xbox Live Marketplace content available to anyone with a broadband connection. Xbox content can be bought using Microsoft points.

NextGen expects to earn €6m

NextGen Technologies, a new specialist product distribution and support company, said it expects to earn €6 million of revenue in its first year after winning two more contracts worth €1 million each.

Imagine cited for cheap broadband

Irish broadband provider Imagine has been named the lowest-cost provider of broadband services in the country by Get Broadband, an independent service offering consumers advice on broadband.

Eircom launches business VoIP

Telecommunications group Eircom this week launched Eircom Business IP+Voice, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service that allows Irish companies to converge their voice and data services onto one single network.

Microsoft releases preview of Office

Microsoft yesterday announced the preview release of its new Office software package. The software is currently only available to 10,000 nominated customers and partners and will be on general release in the second half of next year.

Salesforce, the online marketing services group, raised its full-year sales forecast after demand for its products remained high.

The US company, which employs more than 60 people at its Irish operation in Dublin, said it expects to record revenue of $307- $309 million (€262-€264 million) in the 12 months to the end of January.

This compares with a previous forecast upgrade in May to a maximum of $302 million.

Salesforce reports rise in revenues

Salesforce yesterday reported a 78 per cent jump in third-quarter revenue to $82.7 million. Diluted earnings per share rose to 11 cent in the period.

During the quarter, the group brought its total number of customers to 18,700 and 351,000 paying subscribers.

Salesforce also outlined its forecasts for 2007, saying that it expects to record revenue of between $460 million and $465 million in the 12 months ended January 2007.

Group announces writing award

Business Reporting Ireland (Bril), a group set up to promote extensible business reporting language, (XBRL) announced its second academic competition for third-level students. Students are required to write an essay on XBRL or create a working XBRL software application. The deadline for entries is January 31st and the first prize is €1,000.

Windows launches search software

Microsoft Ireland yesterday launched its WindowsR Desktop Search product,which will enable businesses to find and retrieve information from personal computers, in e-mails and on network file shares from a single starting point.

The software is available for download immediately.